ITHACA, N.Y. — Watch “How Hudson Valley Farmers Manage Soil Health” in a video series by Cornell Cooperative Extension. The videos are available online on the Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtQVTRYhLcUGWjck8Sh0jq2kqYA63CmT2.
Practices that improve soil health are common among farmers. This video series shows and explains the practices of no-till planting, cover cropping, planting into living cover crops and incorporating manure into the soil.
Improving soil health focuses on managing the soil organisms, the physical condition of the soil (tilth), and the nutrient and pH status of the soil. Feeding soil organisms with cover crops, manure, crop residues, and mulch will keep them active and healthy. They are also protected by keeping the soil surface covered, such as with a crop canopy, cover crops, or mulch. Soil porosity and structure are managed by minimizing tillage and conducting field operations when the soil is sufficiently dry. Plant roots and an active soil life also improve soil structure.
When soil pH and nutrients levels are maintained properly, plants and soil organisms thrive. Manure provides an array of nutrients and organic matter for the soil. In addition to growing healthy crops, a healthy soil also keeps our streams and waterbodies clean by filtering rain water and allowing it to infiltrate rather than run off as erosion. Farmers are improving soil health in many ways and this video series will show you how they do it. For more information, contact Aaron Gabriel, CCE-Albany, adg12@cornell.edu.
–Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program
Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County